Classrooms closed for spring semester

UIL suspends rest of contests, competitions

Posted

With the cancellation of in-classroom learning for the remainder of the school year in Texas, local school districts have been scrambling to come up with plans for graduation and other related activities.

The cancellation also includes all remaining competitions and extracurricular activities, including music, academic and athletic contests.

Districts are also making adjustments to the way grades are calculated for the spring, in particular how they impact the selection of the top graduates.

All districts shifted to online learning models in March, as well as meal service and deliveries for students and all youth 18 and under in the districts.

Online learning will continue through the end of the traditional school year.

Wood County schools took off for spring break in mid-March and have not returned to classes due to various restrictions brought on by the spread of COVID-19.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Wood County remained at six this week, with no reported deaths. The county hit that total early last week.

Reports show the county had 28 persons tested for the disease when it reached the sixth case, and that number rose to 59 tests with no increase in cases.

In addition to closing school campuses for the rest of the spring semester, Gov. Greg Abbott reopened the state parks, effective Monday, with restrictions.

The city of Mineola and the privately-operated Mineola Civic Center immediately followed suit, reopening city parks and the civic center grounds. County beaches will remain closed for two weeks.

Park-goers are required to wear face masks, maintain physical distancing and have groups no larger than five.

Playground equipment and courts remain off-limits.

Abbott also outlined plans to allow some retail businesses to resume operations on Friday, April 24 for to-go business only.

He said additional plans would be announced April 27, based on recommendations of a task force he appointed, which could include restaurants and venues.

The governor also loosened restrictions on some medical procedures.

Wood County witnessed a citizens’ rally at the county courthouse Friday morning, similar to others around the nation which focused primarily on reopening the economy before further damage is caused. (See related story and photos)

It was held just prior to the governor’s announcements.